Bias in Literature: Uncovering Prejudice and Stereotypes

Bias is the act of showing undue favor, support, or endorsement toward a person, group, race, or argument while opposing another. Bias is not limited to cultural contexts; it can manifest in various aspects of academic life, literature, such as gender, sexuality, religion, nation, subjects, and everyday life. Essentially, it represents an illogical and non-neutral support for one viewpoint over another. The word 'bias' originates from the French word "biais," meaning angle or slant. Types of Bias Bias can take various forms, extending beyond literary works to encompass propaganda, gender-related bias, age-related bias, racial discrimination, religious discrimination, marginalization, and stereotyping. Examples of Bias in Literature Example #1: Bias Against Women in "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare "In Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' the character Hamlet expresses biased attitudes toward women. Some interpretations suggest that these lines reflect mi…